Suntech to shift 1GW of cell production to PERC in 2015

China-based PV manufacturer Wuxi Suntech is to move 1GW of cell production to PERC in 2015 with its launch of the ‘SuperPoly’ module series at Intersolar Europe.

Link to original piece on PV-Tech:(http://www.pvtech.org/news/intersolar_2015_suntech_to_shift_1gw_of_cell_production_to_perc_in_2015)

According to Suntech its new SuperPoly module will be available globally in July, 2015 from a manufacturing capacity of 100MW. However, plans are underway to ramp capacity to 1GW in 2015.

"We're very excited to be introducing the SuperPoly module at Intersolar Europe this week, along with our new products such as the HyPro module, which is our latest high efficiency module that we offer with PERC solar cell technology," said Xiong Haibo, president of Suntech. "Our continual investment in research and development in our PV technology is part of Suntech's vision of a cost efficient and energy efficient future. The SuperPoly is another module in our range of products that has passed the VDE's certification standards. Our customers who are looking to build utility size projects will find that the SuperPoly panel is the perfect fit for their energy needs."

According to preliminary data from PV Tech’s annual R&D spending report for 2014, Suntech increased annual R&D spending from US$2.2 million in 2013 to US$11.7 million in 2014.

The key reason for the increase was the acquisition of Wuxi Suntech from bankruptcy by Shunfeng in 2014. However, putting the R&D spending in perspective, Canadian Solar a top 5 global solar company spent US$12.05 million last year, up from US$11.6 million in 2013.

The multicrystalline P-type SuperPoly module is said to also integrate an in-depth reflection technology and passivation process, which enables the module to generate at least 2 power classes more (approximately 10W) than the average industry level module, reaching efficiency levels up to 16.7%.

The company also noted that it had made improvements to the cell colour uniformity to allow the SuperPoly 72 cell module to produce an optimal 325W at peak performance.

Additionally, the PID-free module sustains higher power output at 200W/m2 compared to the conventional module in weak lighting conditions, catering to markets that require high efficiency and durability under dynamic solar conditions such as the UK, Germany and Thailand.

The SuperPoly, like all Suntech's four busbar module designs, has a lower probability of micro-cracks and hotspots, making the modules less susceptible to malfunctions that lead to significant power degradation, according to the company.